UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ‘Made in Europe’ or ‘Made with Europe’? Buy-Europe push splits bloc

Q1. With reference to the European Union's ongoing debate between the 'Made in Europe' and 'Made with Europe' approaches in 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Made in Europe' approach, championed by France, seeks local-production mandates as a precondition for access to EU public funds in strategic sectors. 2. The 'Made with Europe' approach, supported by Germany and Sweden, emphasises competing on quality and innovation rather than strict origin-based protectionism. 3. Both approaches were jointly incorporated into the Net-Zero Industry Act of 2023, which serves as the single legislative vehicle for European industrial preference. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 'Made in Europe' approach, championed by France, seeks local-production mandates as a precondition for access to EU public funds in strategic sectors.
  2. The 'Made with Europe' approach, supported by Germany and Sweden, emphasises competing on quality and innovation rather than strict origin-based protectionism.
  3. Both approaches were jointly incorporated into the Net-Zero Industry Act of 2023, which serves as the single legislative vehicle for European industrial preference.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Which one of the following is the principal legislative instrument proposed by the European Commission in March 2026 to operationalise 'European preference' in public procurement for strategic sectors?

  • A. Net-Zero Industry Act
  • B. Critical Raw Materials Act
  • C. Industrial Accelerator Act
  • D. Competitiveness Compass

Q3. According to the leaked draft of the European Union's Industrial Accelerator Act (2026), what is the proposed EU-origin threshold (as a share of total volume) for aluminium used in covered public procurement?

  • A. 15%
  • B. 25%
  • C. 50%
  • D. 70%

Q4. With reference to the 2026 EU debate on 'Made in Europe' vs 'Made with Europe', which of the following member states have been reported as supporting the looser 'Made with Europe' approach that favours open supply chains and third-country participation? 1. France 2. Germany 3. Sweden 4. Italy Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. France
  2. Germany
  3. Sweden
  4. Italy
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 2, 3 and 4